91³ÉÈË

The ABCs Of ASPs Cut down on your software costs by sharing.

By Aliza P. Sherman

Opinions expressed by 91³ÉÈË contributors are their own.

I know, I know! Just when you think you've mastered theimportant Internet acronyms for your business, suddenly there areASPs. Until recently, ASP stood for active server pages, aninteractive, Windows-based programming language developed byMicrosoft.

These days, ASP also stands for application service providers,companies that host costly software applications that you can thenlease from them to use as needed. Basically, your staff connects tothe ASP's servers through the Internet to access and use thesoftware. Rather than paying hefty sums, especially for enterprisesoftware, you pay a small amount per use.

While ASPs are supposed to save your company money, thesoftware-sharing concept has yet to become the norm, usuallybecause of slower Internet connections used by smallerbusinesses.

Aliza Sherman is an entrepreneur and author of Cybergrrl:A Woman's Guide to the World Wide Web (Ballantine Books).She is currently working on her next book and new company.

Aliza Sherman is a web pioneer, e-entrepreneur and author of eight books, including

Her work can be found at .

Want to be an 91³ÉÈË Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Fundraising

4 Trends In Fundraising That Will Impact the Future of Philanthropy

Increasing the success of your nonprofit requires you to adapt to changes.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Money & Finance

Founders Obsess Over Cash Flow — But There's a Threat That's Even More Dangerous

There's a silent business risk every entrepreneur underestimates, and it can shut you down faster than a cash crunch.

Innovation

It's Time to Rethink Research and Development. Here's What Must Change.

R&D can't live in a lab anymore. Today's leaders fuse science, strategy, sustainability and people to turn discovery into real-world value.

Growing a Business

Don't Rely on Instinct to Make Hiring Decisions — Use This Smart Strategy Instead

Here's the data-driven hiring playbook every business owner needs.